Is the LR3 a Serious Off-Road Competitor?

[Aubs]

Granted, I do some research and give up, I just wanted to know if the LR3 would hold ground against an H2 or H3. It's got similar ground clearance, though poor approach and departure angles. There doesn't seem to be as much room for articulation in the wheel wells either. Just was curious to know what everyone thinks.

[NEOCON1]

its a little better than the freelander

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by NEOCON1

its a little better than the freelander

Yeah, the Freelander is not a very impressive beast. However, the LR2 might be somewhat of an improvment.

Reading some Land Rover forums though, it's discouraging that almost all posts are dealing with some failure or mechanical issue.

[Sewie]

They had one down at Hollister as a Ranger Vehicle. Of course it was parked down at the gate while their other trucks were out in the park.

Just by looking at one, I'd have to say no way they could keep up with an H2/H3 for just the reasons you mentioned.

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by Sewie

They had one down at Hollister as a Ranger Vehicle. Of course it was parked down at the gate while their other trucks were out in the park.

Just by looking at one, I'd have to say no way they could keep up with an H2/H3 for just the reasons you mentioned.

Good to know. I was looking at maybe replacing my H2 with something (because my lease is going way over mileage), and I figured maybe I should just include the LR3 to be fair, because it does have a lot of room inside, and it's got like Xenon headlamps, neat sunroof things, Active Roll Mitigation, and some other little gadgets. But, if it can't keep up off-road, then there's no sense it in. I think the H3 is my best option.

[DRTYFN]

Low profile tires =PWNAGE off-road.

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by Aubs

Good to know. I was looking at maybe replacing my H2 with something, and I figured maybe I should just include the LR3 to be a total metro-sexual poop-taster.

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by DRTYFN

I think that you should invite me along on your next trip because I would like to get some of that homo action

Well, there are more LR3 ads that feature gay men than any other car company I know.

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by Aubs

Well, there are more LR3 ads that feature gay men than any other car company I know.

I figured there was a reason for your interest.

[BlueTJCO]

you want to argue about a Land Cruiser behing a good off-road vehicle but ask if the LR3 should be any good on the trails........

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by Mooncricket

you want to argue about a Land Cruiser behing a good off-road vehicle but ask if the LR3 should be any good on the trails........

I think it's a fair question. The LR3 has a center and rear locker, computer traction control systems, and an air suspension. It's angles suck, and the tires suck, but it's got room, and some nice on-road features... The LC is a dinosaur. It's like riding on a Fischer-Price Trike when you could have a Yeti or Specialized mountain bike.

I wanted to know what other people had to say. And they pretty much thought it sucked, like I was figuring.

[BlueTJCO]

but then again most people would say that the Land Rovers are tippy and top heavy and I tend to think they kick ass on the trails. The LR3 just has way too much pretty plastic to mess up but I'm sure I'll be eating my words when one destroys me on the trails in my jeep someday....

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by Mooncricket

but then again most people would say that the Land Rovers are tippy and top heavy and I tend to think they kick ass on the trails. The LR3 just has way too much pretty plastic to mess up but I'm sure I'll be eating my words when one destroys me on the trails in my jeep someday....

But you also want to stick your foot in other guys' asses.

[HummBebe]

I have personally wheeled with the LR3's.

It was a desert run, and they did sustain some bumper damage. But I think if they had a few mods, ie tires and a rock rails etc, they would make a great wheeling vehicle.

They have traction control up the arse. A button for every type of terrain, and it will literally drive itself!

They are not rock buggy's, but neither is an H3.

[DRTYFN]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

I have personally wheeled with the LR3's.

It was a desert run, and they did sustain some bumper damage. But I think if they had a few mods, ie tires and a rock rails etc, they would make a great wheeling vehicle.

They have traction control up the arse. A button for every type of terrain, and it will literally drive itself!

They are not rock buggy's, but neither is an H3.

You're a girl. We don't care about your opinion. Don't you have housework to do?

[HummBebe]

I think you should take a trip to the mall.

[CO Hummer]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

I think you should take a trip to the mall.

He's into the singles scene at the arcades.

[BlueTJCO]

Originally Posted by DRTYFN

But you also want to stick your foot in other guys' asses.

...

[Aubs]

Originally Posted by HummBebe

I have personally wheeled with the LR3's.

It was a desert run, and they did sustain some bumper damage. But I think if they had a few mods, ie tires and a rock rails etc, they would make a great wheeling vehicle.

They have traction control up the arse. A button for every type of terrain, and it will literally drive itself!

They are not rock buggy's, but neither is an H3.

I echo these thoughts in a way. I find that A/B/D angles are really important, but also the traction control systems play a huge part. I wheeled with a buddy that had a Cherokee, and basically he just gunned whatever he wanted to conquer. With TC, you can go at a nice, slow pace and let the vehicle do the work.

I do think the LR3 tires are not very well suited for off-road situations. But the Terrain Response system looks like it could be pretty amazing. And as for the tippy bit, Land Rover claims that the LR3 will do a 45 degree ascent drive through, and a 35 degree sustained side slope. Note that's degrees, not %. Also, the Hill Descent Control is pretty amazing (BMW has it, got it from LR) and it works very well when descending an icy slope anyway.

Actually, I shouldn't have spoken so quickly earlier. The approach angle matches the H3 (well, .3 off), the breakover beats the H3 over the head, but the departure angle is poor, probably because of the spare's location.

You do get 9.5 inches of clearance under the differentials and can do 27" of water. Actually the physical dimensions are very similar. Interestingly enough you have to add underbody protection to an H3 and an LR3 to get decent protection. The LR3 does offer something I haven't seen on one yet, a snorkel in the accessories picker. I wonder what kind of wading you can do then? There's no specs on it. Heck, there's even a cage for Shaggy:




Let's see, also we have a 4-corner independent air suspension (which is probably a problem spot for LR), and you get 7,700 lbs towing capacity. That's more than my H2! Curb weight is 5,700lbs.


Well, I think tomorrow I might just go drive one of these things. Just for the hell of it. Maybe they will let me take my H2 over the course too.

Wow, in May only 1,549 LR3's were sold. That's down 12.6% from last year.


Finally, LR says there is 10 inches front and 13 inches rear wheel travel. Is this a lot? I can't find the specs on the H3's travel. The DAKAR version has 20, but that doesn't even look like an H3 anymore..

[Aubs]

What, an LR3 actually doing something somewhat interesting?



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